Monday, March 20, 2017

Matthew 9: Thrust Out the Laborers

Matthew 9:36-38
Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)

36 When He saw the throngs, He was moved with pity and sympathy for them, because they were bewildered (harassed and distressed and dejected and helpless), like sheep without a shepherd.(A)
37 Then He said to His disciples, The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few.
38 So pray to the Lord of the harvest to [a]force out and thrust laborers into His harvest.
 
There is a note written in my Bible, "what does this mean?" under verse 38.  Heartache, disillusionment, deception, depression, anger, evil abounds in the world.  If we remain tucked away inside the four walls of our homes or churches, how will the sheep ever know the Shepherd? 
 
How can we sequester ourselves in the comfort of our homes and churches, while Jesus Himself prays to "force and thrust laborers into His harvest?"  Intense.  But the people around us desperately require our help.
 
Brothers and sisters, it is the beginning of your ministry to touch the world around you (your neighbor) with kindness and love (Jesus).  We are the only contact some of these dear ones will ever have with the One Who loves them the most and best.  What I mean is that as we go into the world, Jesus, Who lives and loves through us, is manifested by what we say and do.  The attitude we have as laborers toward the harvest can mean eternity and should be overflowing with compassion for the lost. 
 
When I gave my heart to the Lord, it was His Love that drew me, not other Christians condemning me, telling me that I would go to Hell.  Love is Light, His Light, and that Light shines bright in a world full of darkness.  And although Hell is a very real place, many lost sheep are experiencing a Hellish foretaste right now, here on earth.  Where is our loving compassion?
 
Do not be surprised when things don't work out the way you thought within the comfort of the four walls.  Could it be that YOU have be chosen to be forced and thrust out into the harvest?  The laborers are few.  Maybe You have been called to go into the world, overflowing the with kindness and love which saves!